Family: Fabaceae
Common name: Centro, Butterfly pea, Centrosema, Spurred butterfly pea
Centro or Butterfly pea is a fast-growing, twining or climbing plant very commonly seen in the wild, or cultivated as fodder plants.
Since they belong to the Fabaceae family, the roots contain Rhizobium bacteria that can fix atmospheric nitrogen converting it into nitrates and nitrites that can be easily absorbed by other plants, thus improving the soil quality.
Plant characteristics
These plants can grow to a length of 45-60 cm with long twining stems that help them clamber on supporting structures or surrounding vegetation. Growing very quickly, Centro plants can cover large areas suppressing native species or agricultural crops.
Leaves are trifoliate with 3 distinct leaflets measuring 4-6 cm in length. They are roughly oval in shape and dark green, with thin white hairs only on the lower surface.
Flowers are typical of Fabaceae family with one large fused petal on top called the standard or banner, two side petals called wings, and two small fused petals called keel that curve inside to protect the reproductive organs.
Flowers are light purple or pink with a white or yellow center, and resembles a butterfly giving the plant its name Butterfly pea.
After pollination, the plant produces long seed pods that are about 10-12 cm long containing up to 20 spherical seeds that are about 4 mm in diameter.
Growing tips
Centro plants thrive in full sun or partial shade, with a supporting structure to help the twining stems grow quickly.
They are extremely drought-tolerant due to their deep root system. At the same time, they are also tolerant of waterlogging, heavy rains, and weather fluctuations.
Fertilization is needed only once a year to take care of any deficiencies in calcium, phosphorus, or potassium since the plants are self-sufficient in nitrogen.
Uses of Centro
This plants are generally grown as fodder plants, or as a ground cover to prevent soil erosion. They can spread over large areas very quickly and thus prevent other weeds from growing. Centro plants are rich in calcium and is hence a good feed for cattle and chickens.
They are considered to be a cheaper alternative to add protein to the feed compared to soybeans or other legumes.
These plants can produce abundant seeds and grow smaller plants all around, thus establishing itself in the soil. Small plants only take 2-3 months to grow and yield fruits, making them ideal as inter-crop plants to improve the fertility of soil.
Centro plants are also used as green manure by converting them into mulch and spreading around crops. These plants are closely related to Clitoria ternatea also called Butterfly pea with similar growing habit and flower structure.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings. Seeds can be soaked in water for a few days to improve germination rate.
Photographed at: Koonammavu, Kerala
